CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The game time for the Sept. 14 Chicago Homecoming game against Washington at Soldier Field has been set for 5 p.m. CT, the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Monday. This is the first announced game time for Illinois this season. Television information for the game has yet to be finalized.

With the evening start, thousands of UI alumni and fans in the Chicagoland area will be able to enjoy a full day of tailgating and a special Chicago-style street fest area located just outside Soldier Field. More details on pregame activities will be forthcoming.

Tickets for the Chicago Homecoming game are on sale now for as low as $30 at the Illinois Athletic Ticket office, by calling 1-866-ILLINI-1 or online. There are three price levels for the game: $80 for sideline seats, $50 for 200-level end-zone seats, and $30 for 400 level corner seats. Order forms for the game have been mailed to I Fund donors and season ticket holders. All Illinois student season ticket holders will receive a free ticket to the Chicago Homecoming game.

Illini fans are asked to purchase their Chicago Homecoming tickets directly from the Illinois Ticket Office. Tickets purchased through the Illinois Ticket Office will have exclusive access to the best seats in Soldier Field.

In addition to the Chicago Homecoming game, 2013 Illinois football home season tickets are on sale now for as low as $99. The Fighting Illini will host seven games at historic Memorial Stadium in Champaign, starting with Southern Illinois on Aug. 31 and including the traditional Homecoming game on Oct. 26 against Michigan State, plus dates with Cincinnati, Miami (Ohio), Wisconsin, Ohio State and Northwestern.